Ray's

This Shellback Mandolin uses a surprisingly wide range of materials. The top is nicely figured Redwood, and the shellback – based on the Fibonacci spiral found naturally in many shells – is made of Cherry veneer with a Spruce center point. The side rims are Maple, with Wenge, Ebony and Spanish Cedar for the neck joint. The neck itself is birds-eye maple with a Padouk center strip and Ebony for the fingerboard.

From time to time, we get to see new and innovative designs that refer to much older ideas. This Shellback Baritone Ukulele from Rootworks is such an item. This fascinating instruments draws from the shape of half a Nautilus shell, created using Cherry veneer with a Red Cedar top.